THERE was a low turn-out of around 45% at polling stations in Co Donegal today.
Many pundits predict voters in both of the county’s constituencies will vote against the Fiscal Treaty – dubbed the Stability Treaty by the ‘Yes’ side and the Austerity Treaty by opponents.
But the low turn-out also reflected the large element of ‘Don’t Know’ voters who were unclear on what the treaty stands for.
Polls closed a short time ago with a turn-out of around 39% in Letterkenny, but higher in Gaoth Dobhair of around 45%.
This is significantly down on the Lisbon Treaty vote.
It is the ninth Europe-related referendum and the 33rd time the electorate has been asked to approve a change in the 1937 Constitution.
In the last comparable referendum on the Lisbon Treaty the turnout was 59%.
Counting gets under way in Letterkenny and Donegal Town at 9am on Friday, with results expected around lunchtime.
There are mixed messages from the low turn-out however.
The Government is confident of securing a win despite the numbers going to the polls today.
However a low turn-out might suit the No camp.